Socially backward

Subject: Polity

Context:

The Supreme Court, in a significant decision, confirmed that persons suffering from disabilities are also socially backward and entitled to the same benefits of relaxation as Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates in public employment and education.

Concept:

• Article 15 (4) of Indian states that nothing in article 15 or in article 29(2) shall prevent the state from making any provisions for the advancement of any socially and economically backward classes of citizens or for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
• This clause started the era of reservations in India. talks
• Caste is not the only criterion for backwardness and other criteria must also be considered.